Health and social care partners are inviting Derby residents to give their views on ‘The Lighthouse’ residential short breaks service for disabled children and young people.

Derby City Council and NHS Derby and Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group have launched a consultation on the remodelling of The Lighthouse, which the organisations jointly commission.

Since November 2018 the CCG and Derby City Council, with input from other health colleagues, have been reviewing The Lighthouse.

As part of this there have been meetings with parents and carers, which have included updates on a successful transition to an interim health provider, NurtureCare, which currently provides health services at the facility.

The consultation is going to thoroughly examine how The Lighthouse can be restructured to maintain high quality services, while making the most of all available budgets. This will allow for a longer-term model that supports children and young people already using the service – and those who are on the waiting list or will need the service in the future.

Derby City Council and the CCG want to hear from families of current and potential future users of The Lighthouse to help get a strong understanding on what would make the best service possible for their youngsters.

Councillor Evonne Williams, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said:

As we recognise the importance of services such as Lighthouse to offer a well-deserved rest for both children and their parents or carers, we want to do as much as possible to ensure that the service has long-term viability. We really want to encourage those who have or may use the service in the future to be involved in the discussion to ensure any changes that are made are in line with their experience or needs.

Councillor Roy Webb, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Housing said:

The considerations we are addressing through the consultation have been developed in line with our discussions with parents and carers. We want to continue gaining insight and making changes based on those who truly understand the needs of the service. The proposed restructuring aims to future proof the service, making cost savings where possible, without impacting adversely on service users.

Zara Jones, Executive Director of Commissioning Operations for NHS Derby and Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

Providing the best possible services for children and their families, while making the most of all our available resources is our priority. All partners are working closely together, with families and young people to help provide vital support when and where it is needed and will be most effective.

If you have any questions or would like to talk to someone please contact the CCG Engagement Manager, Claire Haynes, by calling 01332 868 677 or email ddccg.enquiries@nhs.net

The consultation closes at 5pm on Tuesday 3 December 2019.